Podcast Summary: "From Helicopters to High-Stakes Ops: A Coast Guard K-9’s Journey"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Robin's Nest from American Humane
- Host: Dr. Robin Ganzert
- Episode Title: From Helicopters to High-Stakes Ops: A Coast Guard K-9’s Journey
- Release Date: February 3, 2025
Introduction
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Robin's Nest, Dr. Robin Ganzert welcomes Petty Officer Alicia Horne, a dedicated K9 handler with the U.S. Coast Guard based in Seattle, Washington. Alicia shares her profound bond with her canine partner, Nikki, a five-year-old Belgian Malinois-German Shepherd mix celebrated as a hero dog finalist in the military dog category. Together, they have completed over 250 operations, amassed more than 4,000 working hours, and played a crucial role in safeguarding millions of lives both on land and at sea.
A Day in the Life of a Coast Guard K9 Handler
Alicia begins by outlining her responsibilities within the Coast Guard. She and Nikki specialize in explosive detection, ensuring the safety and security of significant infrastructures such as Seattle's extensive ferry system—the largest in the United States and second only to Canada globally.
“We help keep the safety and security of all the ferry systems up there. Seattle is home to the largest ferry passenger system in the entire United States. Second in the world to Canada, actually.”
— Alicia Horne [01:09]
Beyond their local duties, Alicia and Nikki are deployed to major events that may attract threats, including the Super Bowl, Olympic Trials, and the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Their presence at these high-profile gatherings is pivotal in maintaining public safety.
“When you say vertical delivery training, you're really. You and Nikki are hopping out of helicopters. We are on possibly negative targets. Right. Because something's going wrong there that you have to investigate.”
— Alicia Horne [12:26]
Motivation and Personal Background
Alicia shares a deeply personal motivation for her career choice. Inspired by her great grandfather's service during World War II, she sought to honor his legacy by serving her country. This familial connection instilled in her a profound sense of duty and fulfillment.
“I originally joined because my great grandfather was in World War II. ... I just, I became fascinated with the fact of serving your country and doing a little bit more and helping in some type of way.”
— Alicia Horne [04:50]
Her decision to join the Coast Guard was also influenced by a desire to serve locally and contribute directly to her community's safety, rather than pursuing a traditional college path.
Forming a Lifelong Partnership with Nikki
The bond between Alicia and Nikki is both professional and deeply personal. Alicia recounts their initial meeting in 2021 during the Coast Guard's handler selection process at the TSA Schoolhouse at Lackland Air Force Base.
“The very second week I was there, and instantly I knew that she was just this big ball of energy that just had this drive to work, and she loved what she did.”
— Alicia Horne [06:06]
Nikki's enthusiasm and innate drive quickly established her as an exceptional partner. Alicia emphasizes Nikki's role as not just a working dog but as her constant companion, highlighting that they have rarely been apart since partnering.
“She is a workhorse. She's a power horse. And I have just enjoyed every second of being with her.”
— Alicia Horne [07:26]
Training and Operations
Alicia delves into the rigorous training process that both she and Nikki undergo. The training includes explosive detection certification and specialized skills like vertical delivery—rapid deployment via helicopter to inaccessible locations.
“Vertical delivery is the ability for us to get delivered via a helicopter to an asset that might not be accessible via a boat or pulling it into port.”
— Alicia Horne [11:36]
This specialized training enables them to respond swiftly to bomb threats and other emergencies, ensuring they can operate effectively in high-stakes environments. Over their tenure, Alicia and Nikki have been involved in critical operations, including responding to bomb threats in the Pacific Northwest and ensuring safety at large-scale events.
“We have vertical delivery training. ... she could just see the fire in her ignite.”
— Alicia Horne [07:35]
Highlighting Heroic Operations
With over 250 high-stakes operations and 4,000 working hours, Alicia shares the immense responsibility she and Nikki bear in protecting public safety. She recounts specific incidents, such as their recent presence at the Rose Bowl amidst an explosion in Pasadena.
“We were actually in Pasadena at the Rose bowl this past week, ... these things happen and that's why these dogs are so important, to keep everybody safe.”
— Alicia Horne [15:31]
Each mission underscores Nikki's unwavering dedication and exceptional skills, reinforcing the critical role that military working dogs play in national security.
Educational Outreach and Inspiring the Next Generation
Alicia and Nikki actively participate in educational outreach to inspire young minds and recruit future Coast Guard members. They engage with schools and community events, demonstrating explosive detection and educating children and parents about the vital work working dogs perform.
“We do explosive demonstrations of what the dogs look like when they find an explosive odor and kind of just educate children and parents on what explosives can look like, how they work areas where they could be and what these dogs do every day.”
— Alicia Horne [17:05]
Their efforts aim to demystify the roles of military working dogs and highlight the diverse opportunities available within the Coast Guard and other services.
Impact of the Hero Dog Awards and Legislative Advancements
Dr. Robin Ganzert highlights the significant achievements of the Hero Dog Awards in raising awareness about the invaluable contributions of working dogs. American Humane's advocacy efforts culminated in the passage of the Working Dog Health and Safety Welfare Act, which ensures standardized and elevated care for all working dogs across various agencies.
“We provide health care for all, you know, retired military working dogs. So when Nikki retires, you gotta look us back up again.”
— Alicia Horne [20:53]
This landmark legislation reflects the collective efforts to honor and protect these dedicated animals, ensuring they receive the care and respect they deserve even after their service concludes.
Nikki’s Future and Legacy
As Alicia contemplates Nikki's future, she expresses heartfelt plans to adopt her upon retirement, ensuring that Nikki continues to receive the love and care she has provided during their service together.
“Nikki's superpower is her nose. Her absolute desire to serve her country, her people, and just get up and work every day.”
— Alicia Horne [21:37]
Nikki's esteemed rank as a Chief Petty Officer symbolizes her esteemed status within the Coast Guard, further emphasizing the mutual respect and teamwork between handler and dog.
“Nikki is a chief petty officer in the Coast Guard. She outranks me. She is my boss. She's the boss lady.”
— Alicia Horne [23:04]
Conclusion
Dr. Robin Ganzert concludes the episode by congratulating Nikki on being named the Military Working Dog Hero of the Year and expressing gratitude for Alicia and Nikki's unwavering service. The episode underscores the extraordinary bond between handlers and their K9 partners, highlighting their indispensable role in national security and community safety.
“What a great representative, as are you, of our United States Coast Guard. Thank you both for your service and thank you for being with us today in Robin's Nest.”
— Dr. Robin Ganzert [23:26]
Listeners are encouraged to support and appreciate the dedicated efforts of military working dogs and their handlers, recognizing their pivotal contributions to a safer, more humane world.
Key Takeaways:
- Alicia Horne's Dedication: Inspired by her great grandfather, Alicia's decade-long service in the Coast Guard exemplifies commitment and bravery.
- Nikki’s Exceptional Role: As a highly trained Belgian Malinois, Nikki's explosive detection skills have been instrumental in numerous high-stakes operations.
- Educational Impact: Alicia and Nikki's outreach efforts play a crucial role in recruitment and public education about the importance of working dogs.
- Legislative Progress: The Working Dog Health and Safety Welfare Act marks a significant advancement in ensuring the well-being of all working dogs.
- Enduring Bond: The partnership between Alicia and Nikki highlights the profound human-animal connection that drives mission success and personal fulfillment.
For those inspired by Alicia and Nikki's journey, Robin's Nest continues to offer insightful conversations that celebrate and advocate for the humane treatment and valor of animals worldwide.